Tag Archive for: Ella Harrell

POLAND USES BALANCE TO WIN OVER BULLDOGS

POLAND OH- There may not have been any eye popping stats for Poland in their 49-27 win over Lakeview on Thursday night, but six players scored at least 5 points to balance their offense.

Leading the way for Poland was Mary Brant, Morgan Kluchar, and Ella Harrell all with 8 points. Jackie Grisdale finished with 7.

Melanie Wolffe had a game-high 11 points to pace the Lakeview offense. Maggie Pavlansky added 7 for the Bulldogs.

Poland will stay at home on Saturday to host Boardman.

POLAND PUSHES PAST WILDCATS

POLAND OH- The third matchup of the season between Struthers and Poland carried the most weight. The winner of this game moved on to the Fitch district semifinal, the loser would end their season. Poland needed every ounce of energy to beat a hungry Wildcat team 56-43.

The first half of the game was very competitive. A back and forth affair. Struthers made a statement out of the gate as Emma Elia knocked down a long two for the first points of the game. Poland would eventually grab the lead back, but not by much. The Bulldogs kept the lead for the rest of the half but Struthers never let it get over four. Poland held on to a 26-24 lead at the break. Much different than the first two matchups which were dominated by Poland.

The third quarter is when Poland began to create some separation. They got tremendous toughness inside from Kailyn Brown who finished through contact a couple times. They also got strong hustle plays off the bench from Ella Harrell. Brooke Bobbey has a key steal and fast-break layup near the end of the third to keep Struthers at bay. In the final frame, Poland’s depth took its toll as they slowly but surely pushed past Struthers. Harrell got half of her 12 points in the fourth quarter.

Jackie Grisdale became the seventh player in the Poland program to reach 1,000 points tonight. It came in the third quarter on her thirteenth point. She led the offense with 19 points in total. Three other Bulldogs were in double figures. Ella Harrell used a strong final frame to finish with 12, Kailyn Brown contributed 11 and Brooke Bobbey added 10.

Chloe Neider led the Wildcats with 13. Emma Elia put together a strong night with 10.

Poland advances to play Southeast Wednesday at Austintown Fitch in the district semifinals. The tip is set for 6:00.

HARK THE HARRELL

The difference between good teams and great teams is a deep bench. The ability to trust the next round of players to go in and execute as well as your starters. For Poland junior Ella Harrell that’s a role she accepts with honor. There is not one ounce of bitterness in her bones over not being a starter. She loves the opportunity to come on the floor in the middle of a game and make an impact. Standing at 5’8, Harrell has the size to execute as a post, but also has the ability to play in the perimeter as a guard. A Swiss Army knife of a player. Ella’s personal goal coming into this year was to further her abilities to become even better at executing both of those roles. Coach Blanch says she is a player who is always staying after practice and working on extra ball handling drills. That’s one of the reasons he trusts her so much on the floor. He also says that Harrell is one of their more vocal players. She has no problem communicating on defense, which is so important. It’s something that makes Harrell such a tremendous asset off the bench. Ella and her team can easily run 8 or 9 players deep and Harrell is the example everyone else can look to. When leaders talk, you have to listen. Hark the Harrell. 

Anthony Hartwig made the trip down to Poland to talk to Ella. They discuss her role on the team, personal goals, and much more. Learn all about the Bulldog junior on the latest Player Profile Hark The Harrell